Neymar returns to Brazil training, eyes Haiti match

Neymar, Brazil's record goalscorer, has rejoined the national team's training sessions, signaling his recovery from a calf injury sustained on May 17. His return to the field at Columbia Park in Morristown, New Jersey, was met with smiles and camaraderie, including a playful "roast" from teammates like Marquinhos and Raphinha.

"Did you miss me?" Neymar playfully asked reporters, his presence sparking applause from his fellow players. The forward, who previously played for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, is now anticipated to be available for Brazil's second Group C match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Haiti, scheduled for Friday in Philadelphia.

Neymar had previously touched the pitch on Tuesday, but trained alone. His injury, initially described as an "edema" by Santos, was later confirmed by the CBF as a grade II lesion, with an expected recovery time of two to three weeks. This setback occurred just before he was named in the 26-player squad for the World Cup.

The 34-year-old star has not played for the senior national team since October 17, 2023, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage in his left knee during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in Montevideo.